What is Pilates ? | Pilates Classes York

Pilates Classes York – What Is Pilates ?

Joseph Pilates created ‘Pilates’ at the turn of the 20th century.

A Lot of people want to try Pilates but often ask ‘What is Pilates exactly?’

Its creator – Joseph Pilates – was born in Germany in 1880, he was the son of a gymnast and naturopath. Joseph became very interested fitness from an early age, studying many forms of fitness as a adolescent including Body-Building, Zen, Yoga and Gymnastics and he also posed for anatomical charts when he was a teenager.

Joseph Pilates then moved to England in 1912 working as a Boxer and for Scotland Yard in the form of a self defence trainer. Still living in England when the First World War erupted, Pilates was sent to a Prisoner of War Camp on the Isle of Man due to being German.

This is where his unique methods were born. Joseph Pilates had time on his hands to develop his revolutionary methodologies during his internment, he spent his days developing a system of physical exercises and training his fellow inmates in the method which he named “Contrology”.

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It is sometimes claimed so many who became injured or ill survived in the camp with Joseph Pilates because of their good physical shape, thanks to Joseph Pilates his methods.

After the war Joseph Pilates moved back to Germany and collaborated with experts in Dance and Physical Exercise but he didn’t stay in Germany long as he refused to train members of the German Army, instead he emigrated to the USA.

On the outbound journey he met Clara, who would be his future wife and help assist him in developing his method further. On their arrival in New York, Joe and Clara set up a studio to teach his methods that today are known as Pilates.

When people ask ‘what is Pilates’ it’s important remember that Pilates is a mindset and set of principles rather than any specific exercise (which have developed and evolved over the years anyway.) Pilates is a state of mind when training and understanding the principles of Pilates will revolutionise your training in all its forms.

Concentration

Breath

Centring

Control

Precision

Flowing Movement

Isolation and Routine

The Legacy of Joseph Pilates

They quickly developed a devoted group of followers made up mostly from dancers including Martha Graham. Their following continued growing, both Joseph and Clara were still teaching their method well in the 1960’s. Many of Pilates’ original pupils are still teaching and following the Pilates Method, which in 2005 was regularly practised by over 11 million Americans.

For more Pilates Classes York information call Ben today on 01904 501533

What is Pilates and how it can help you

Pilates is an excellent fitness foundation which can help you tone, shape and reduce the risks of injury as well as managing any current injuries or back issues you may have. Many professional athletes and dancers make Pilates one of the cornerstones of their training.

Pilates Classes York can help with:

Weight Loss

Toning

Relaxation

Weight Loss

Back Issues

Sciatica

Slipped Discs

Non medical back pain and tension

For more Pilates Classes York information call Ben today on 01904 501533